Mick Sharkie's on tour for Royal Ascot thanks to CrownBet. Here our hero braved a World Cup game in a British pub and found himself at racing's Mecca, Newmarket.

I’m not saying I’m a good salesman, but after two days in Scotland the majority of my rellos fully expect to retire on the winnings from my Royal Ascot tips, while the rest have pencilled in an AFL flag for North Melbourne.

Give me a couple of neat whiskeys and I’ll sell ice to Eskimos living in Frankston.

I choose to overcome jetlag by sleeping in a Prince safari-themed oxygen tent

London was the next port of call following my brief Scottish sojourn as we collected the 40-odd members of the Spicer Thoroughbreds Royal Ascot tour hosted by yours truly.

Typically, it seemed that some of the touring party had gone too hard too early. Best on trip votes were already being racked up by a couple of punters including one who emptied 27-Stella Artois bottles from his hotel room before check out. A fair effort.

We decided to continue the festivities at the Sherlock Holmes pub to watch Australia vs France. This brought together the two things I couldn't care less about on Earth, soccer and goofily dressed British detectives. I battled on and drank some Guinness.

Apparently, Australia was robbed. I’m not sure how but I take the word of my comrades. The small band of French Harry Potter lookalikes didn’t agree but I wouldn’t trust the opinions of anyone who sits in a pub for two hours without ordering a drink, no matter how delicious their croissants are.

Australia’s World Cup hopes went down and to the right…

Finally, the foozeball wound up so we could start the journey to Newmarket – the home of thoroughbred racing. However, I fear the journey is a case of 'scenes missing' for yours truly, I dozed off ten minutes in and only stirred when someone fell out of the bus toilet.

Newmarket is a grouse place, truly a Mecca for thoroughbred fans. From the window of my Bedford Lodge hotel room I can watch Godolphin’s team go about their business, staff and horses working just outside the window (note to self, wear pants tomorrow).

We were regaled by former Mayor John Berry who shared his passion for the place and its history as well as the first tip of the week; Cross Counter in the King George V Stakes on Thursday.